'Draconian' rule for estate is axed
RULES which would have banned four or more people hanging around housing estate common areas have been dropped from new tenancy contracts.
Southwark council suggested all the tenants sign up to the caluse outlawing groups congregating in stairwells, corridors or open spaces. But Tuesday night's housing scrutiny committee voted to axe the measure from the draft contract after accusations it went too far.
Councillor Jonathan Hunt, who sits on the panel, told the South London Press: "Questions were asked why we were pushing such an illiberal, draconian clause, and we on the committee will recommend to the Executive it should be dropped."
Cllr Hunt said he still has concerns over parts of the contract which could see families kicked out of their flats because of bad behaviour by their teenage kids.
(South London Press, 5 Sep 2003)
9 Sep 2003